The effect of Ag NPs and C3N5 on the third-order nonlinear optical responses of the nano Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH

Here, Cu-, Zn-, and Cr-based layered double hydroxides (Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH) were synthesized through the co-precipitation procedure. The pure C3N5 was prepared via a three-step procedure utilizing melamine as the starting material. Then, Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH@g-C3N5 nanocomposite was prepared by the solvothermal method at 120 C. Finally, the composite of Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH@g-C3N5/Ag NPs was synthesized. The morphological, structural, and optoelectronic responses of the prepared materials were studied by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. Nonlinear optical (NLO) features of prepared specimens were tested through the Z-scan technique using the laser beam at 532 nm wavelength. The two-photon absorption (TPA) and self-focusing performance were revealed for the prepared samples. Doping Ag NPs in Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH@g-C3N5 structure improved the nonlinear optical responses as well. This research extends NLO findings on Ag doping carbon nitride and promises a candidate for the design of high nonlinear optical materials.

Automated summary

Cu-, Zn-, and Cr-based layered double hydroxides (Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH) were synthesized via co-precipitation. Pure C3N5 was prepared using melamine as the starting material. A nanocomposite of Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH@g-C3N5 was then prepared through solvothermal method, followed by the synthesis of Zn-Cu-Cr-LDH@g-C3N5/Ag NPs composite. The materials were characterized and their nonlinear optical responses were studied, showing improved responses with Ag NPs doping. This research contributes to the understanding and design of high nonlinear optical materials.